Secrets From The Scene

Ep. 79: The Sober Musician’s Toolkit: Scripts, Support, & Sustainability with Adam Lifto, Caitlin Benson, & Wyatt Overman

Trying to build a music career while staying sober is hard. Venues, late nights, constant offers, social pressure. This week, I sit down with three artists from our scene, Adam Lifto, Caitlin Benson, and Wyatt Overman, to talk plainly about what recovery looks like in practice and how to keep making work you are proud of. We focus on actionable strategies: preparing for substance-heavy spaces, how to handle friends and peers that aren’t sober, when to step away for safety, and how creativity changes when you choose clarity. We get into support systems that actually help: boundaries that hold, accountability partners, therapy, and finding rooms that want you healthy. We also address relapse without shame and how to come back stronger. If you are sober, sober-curious, or supporting someone who is, this conversation aims to be useful, respectful, and real. What you will learn: * How to set boundaries with venues, bands, and friends * Ways to protect your energy and creativity on show days * When to pass on a gig and how to do it professionally * How community, therapy, and accountability make recovery sustainable Full Show Notes & Episode Mentions [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Overmanguitars.com [https://www.overmanguitars.com/] 🔗 Overman Guitars Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/overmanguitars] 🔗 Twincitizenmnmusic.com [https://twincitizenmnmusic.com/] 🔗 Twin Citizen Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/twincitizenmnmusic] 🔗 Paper Chain Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/paperchainmusic] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]

Ep. 78: Print Isn’t Dead: Celebrating Twin Cities Music with Tumbling Rock Zine

This week on Secrets From The Scene, I sit down with Dani Larson and Nicole Prestol, two of the founders of Tumbling Rock Magazine, a Twin Cities print publication bringing local music to life on paper. We talk about how Tumbling Rock began as a joke between bandmates and evolved into a full-fledged magazine that celebrates Minnesota’s music community through thoughtful storytelling and striking physical design. Dani and Nicole share what it takes to build and sustain a free, community-driven publication, why they’ve chosen to stay in print in an increasingly digital world, and how artists can better tell their own stories to connect with press and audiences alike. We also dive into the creative process behind each issue, what makes a great artist submission or EPK, and what’s next for Tumbling Rock, from local collaborations to a potential festival celebrating Twin Cities music. Topics covered: * The origin story of Tumbling Rock Magazine * Why print still resonates in the digital era * How each issue comes together * Crafting submissions and EPKs that stand out * The realities of running a free publication * Upcoming collaborations and events For musicians: If you’ve ever wanted to understand how local press works, how to get your music featured, or how to tell your story in a way that stands out, this episode offers valuable insight from two people who live and breathe the Twin Cities scene. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/78] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Tumbling Rock Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tumblingrockzine/?hl=en] 🔗 Tumblingrockzine.com [https://www.tumblingrockzine.com/] 🔗 Tumbling Rock Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TumblingRockZine?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafYFGPQe4xvK0iIq6_V4-gn2wfp_OAJFVBAAmiJp6xVU11UvL-OQYth0XdOYg_aem_sINqrYe8c9c7I3cA2jwt4A] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]

Ep. 77: Inside the Twin Cities Hip Hop Scene with Juice Lord

Minnesota’s hip-hop scene is more alive and diverse than most people realize. Few know it better than Juice Lord, who’s lived it from late-night open mics to sold-out stages. Beyond the music, he’s built a reputation as someone who lifts others up while carving his own path. This episode is your inside look at the culture, the community, and the grind. That’s why I sat down with Malik Curtis, better known as Juice Lord, one of St. Paul’s most influential hip-hop artists and community leaders. At just 29, he’s already toured with Prof, sold out shows at the 7th St Entry, and become a vital voice in shaping the Twin Cities scene. In this episode, Juice Lord opens up about: * His journey from sports and poetry to becoming a rising MC in Minnesota * The highs and lows of touring with Prof — and what he learned from it * Why building community is at the core of his music and mission * The venues, people, and strategies that shape the Twin Cities hip-hop culture today * His advice for young artists on how to actually break into the scene * What’s next, including his upcoming project Terry’s Baby and release show at the 7th St Entry If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make a name in local hip-hop — and how the Minnesota scene works from the inside — this conversation with Juice Lord is packed with insights and stories you don’t want to miss. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/77] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Follow Juice Lord on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hammertimejuice] Featured Song: 🎧 "The Thrill" [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0IpIIIp9qWnWbKpXTEDhyC?si=4Mp1EsyXStmG2in1vckkMw] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]

Ep. 76: Behind the Grind: Divide the Fall's Touring Journey with Matt DeMar

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to survive life on the road as a touring band? It’s not all glamorous shows and screaming crowds—most of the time it’s van repairs, tight budgets, and figuring out how to sleep in impossible places. In this week’s episode of Secrets From the Scene, Max Greene sits down with Matt DeMar, guitarist for the Twin Cities rock/metal band Divide the Fall. Together, they go behind the grind to talk about what touring is really like, from DIY runs across the country to opening for bands like Staind and Cold. Matt shares: * The realities of van life and sleeping arrangements on tour * How Divide the Fall built connections that landed them on major festivals like Rock Fest * Why backing tracks and smart logistics can make or break your live show * The importance of staying grounded and approachable in the industry * The lessons he’s learned about networking, first impressions, and keeping a band together on the road This conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes stories and practical advice for any musician dreaming of hitting the road—or any fan curious about the not-so-glamorous side of touring. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/76] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Matt DeMar Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mattdemar_/?hl=en] 🔗 Divide the Fall Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dividethefall/?hl=en] 🔗 Divide the Fall Links [https://beacons.ai/dividethefall?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafihl6y0pDlYYLuzheARnGLh358jiDzTbzalfQjD0VG8owFcA94TouCyBa1HQ_aem_3MCNmJWdMv4NLle9NTBHyg] Featured Song: 🎧 Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/12C8lbzl1Gm9ye7uaJdPCm?si=2910bd49019045fb] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]

Ep. 75: Making Art, Making Choices, and Making It Work with Dessa

If you’ve ever struggled to balance multiple passions, questioned whether to “pick a focus,” or wondered how to actually make a creative career work long-term, this episode is for you. This week on Secrets From the Scene, I sit down with Dessa — a writer, rapper, singer, podcaster, and speaker who’s built one of the most multifaceted careers in the Twin Cities and beyond. From Doomtree to the Minnesota Orchestra, The Hamilton Mixtape to her BBC podcast Deeply Human, Dessa has carved a path that defies easy labels. We talk about what it really takes to sustain a creative career over the long haul — the tough decisions, unexpected opportunities, and constant balancing acts that come with living a multidisciplinary life. In this conversation, you’ll hear us dive into: * The pressures artists face to “pick a lane” — and why Dessa never did * Lessons from Doomtree on collaboration, community, and persistence * How Dessa decides which projects are worth her time * The financial realities of making art — and the unavoidable tradeoffs, from touring and merch to sustainability and personal values * The moral gray areas of brand partnerships and choosing who to align with * Why curiosity, experimentation, and adaptability are the keys to longevity This conversation left me thinking a lot about what it really means to build a creative life that lasts and how there’s no single “right” way to do it. It’s about making your own lane and finding ways to keep going. Whether you’re balancing multiple passions, trying to make your art sustainable, or just figuring out your next move, I think you’ll walk away from this one with a few new ideas — and maybe a little reassurance that you’re not alone in the process. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/75] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Dessa Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dessa] 🔗 Dessawander.com [https://www.dessawander.com/] Featured Song: "Hurricane Party" by Dessa 🎧 Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/5rmg3dVtNulAP1DoqeUuYm?si=9908344ef9c64f64] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]